UN 2990 — Life-saving appliances, self-inflating
Placard: Miscellaneous. ERG Guide 171. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Life-saving appliances, self-inflating are manufactured emergency devices with compressed gas inflation systems. The main response concern is cylinder rupture, smoke from burning materials and sudden inflation hazards.
Hazard overview: These are articles rather than bulk chemicals. Heat, puncture or fire can rupture gas cartridges and burn packaging or synthetic materials.
Response guidance: Move undamaged packages away from fire if safe, cool exposed containers with water spray and avoid puncturing cylinders. Treat burning plastic or rubber smoke as irritating until monitored.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to identify UN 2990 from shipping papers, confirm the SDS, choose PPE from monitoring results and avoid relying on generic placard information alone.
Regulatory context: UN 2990 is listed for transport under hazard class 9 with ERG Guide 171. Confirm packing group, quantity limits and any special provisions from current DOT/TDG/IMDG documents.
Storage & handling: Store only in approved, labeled containers or packaging. Keep incompatible materials separated, control ignition sources where applicable and protect packages from heat, damage and unauthorized access.
UN 2990 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2990
- Manufactured articles may contain compressed gas cylinders for inflation.
- Cylinders or cartridges can rupture when heated or damaged.
- Inflatable fabric, rubber or plastic components may burn and produce irritating smoke.
- Sudden inflation or cylinder discharge can create impact and projectile hazards.
- Most units are not readily ignited, but packaging and accessories may burn.
- Fire may release carbon dioxide, nitrogen or other nonflammable gas and combustion products.
- Damaged equipment may create trip, entanglement or pressure-release hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Packaged self-inflating flotation or survival equipment containing compressed gas cylinders and inflatable chambers.
| Also known as | Self-inflating life raftsInflatable life-saving devicesEmergency flotation equipmentSelf-inflating survival craft |
| Appearance | Packaged devices typically stored in rigid containers or fabric cases, containing compressed gas cylinders (CO2 or air) and inflatable rubber or synthetic fabric chambers. May include survival equipment compartments. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (manufactured article) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (manufactured article) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (manufactured article) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; designed for water deployment |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2990
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Structural firefighting PPE with SCBA is appropriate for fire involvement. Eye and hand protection are adequate for intact, non-burning articles.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2990 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number listed on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish hot, warm and cold zones.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, fumes, dust or spray mist; prevent skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged packages or containers without appropriate PPE and monitoring.
- Ventilate confined spaces only when personnel are trained, equipped and monitored.
- Use the ERG guide, SDS, shipping papers and product labels to confirm final tactics.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2990 — Life-saving appliances, self-inflatingUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.